New Delhi: On the occasion of International Women’s Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his greetings to ‘Nari Shakti’ and started a unique initiative where his social media platforms would be taken over by women, making significant contributions in various fields.Taking to X, PM Modi posted, “We bow to our Nari Shakti on Women’s Day! Our Government has always worked for empowering women, reflecting in our schemes and programmes.”“Today, as promised, my social media properties will be taken over by women who are making a mark in diverse fields!” he further added.In a shared video message, the Prime Minister emphasised that in India’s traditions, the highest regard has always been given to women’s respect and dignity.He highlighted that nations and communities that provide women with greater opportunities for growth will progress at an unprecedented pace.“In India, today there is a period of women-led development,” he stated, adding that government policies and laws are now being designed with a special focus on benefiting women.He also asserted that the country’s ‘Nari Shakti’ is the strongest pillar of India’s vision for a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India).The social media initiative was first announced by PM Modi last month during his ‘Mann Ki Baat’ address, where he revealed his plan to hand over his social media accounts to inspiring women across the country.The initiative aims to provide them with a platform to share their stories, achievements, and experiences, encouraging more women to step forward and contribute to nation-building. He also called upon women from all walks of life to participate in this special initiative.PM Modi further acknowledged that International Women’s Day is a momentous occasion to celebrate India’s ‘Nari Shakti’ and recognise their invaluable role in shaping the nation’s past, present, and future.“Respect for daughters has always been a top priority in our culture. Women’s power has played an essential role in the Independence movement and in drafting our Constitution,” he remarked.In addition to this digital initiative, the Prime Minister is also in Gujarat’s Navsari to mark International Women’s Day with ‘Lakhpati Didis.’He will attend the ‘Lakhpati Didi Sammelan’ at Vansi-Borsi, where he will distribute over Rs 450 crore in financial aid to more than 2.5 lakh women from over 25,000 Self-Help Groups across the state.During the event, PM Modi will interact with ten selected Lakhpati Didis and honour five of them with certificates, further reinforcing the government’s commitment to empowering women economically.On the otherhand,Indian chess Grandmaster R Vaishali, along with scientists Elina Mishra and Shilpi Soni, took over Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s X handle on International Women’s Day, sharing inspiring messages of determination, ambition, and empowerment.In a post from PM Modi’s account, the women achievers expressed their excitement about the opportunity.“Vanakkam! I am Vaishali, and I am thrilled to be taking over our PM Thiru Narendra Modi Ji’s social media properties and that too on Women’s Day. As many of you would know, I play chess and I feel very proud to be representing our beloved country in many tournaments,” wrote Vaishali, the 23-year-old chess champion.Vaishali reflected on her chess journey, recalling that she started playing the sport at the age of six. “It has been a learning, thrilling, and rewarding journey,” she said, adding that her experiences have shaped her both as a player and an individual.Encouraging young women to pursue their passions, Vaishali said, “I want to give a message to all the women out there, especially the young girls — follow your dreams, no matter the hurdles. Your passion will power your success. I want to encourage women to break barriers in any field they choose because I know they can!”Expressing her determination to improve her FIDE ranking and bring greater pride to India, she credited her family and mentors for their unwavering support.“I’ve been fortunate to have parents like Thiru Rameshbabu and Thirumathi Nagalakshmi, who stood by me throughout my journey. My brother, Indian Chess Grandmaster Praggnanandhaa, and my coach, Vishwanathan Anand, have been pillars of strength,” she said.Vaishali also urged families to support their daughters’ ambitions. “I’ve also got a message for parents and siblings — trust in your daughters’ abilities, and they’ll achieve wonders,” she emphasised.Joining Vaishali in taking over PM Modi’s social media account, scientists Elina Mishra and Shilpi Soni encouraged women to explore careers in science and technology.“India is the most vibrant place for science, and thus we call upon more women to pursue it,” they said in a joint post.“Both of us, Elina and Shilpi, are seeing the wide range of opportunities opening up in our respective sectors. It was unimaginable that a sector like nuclear technology would offer so many opportunities for women in India. Similarly, the increasing participation of women and the private sector in the world of space makes India the most happening place to innovate and grow! Indian women surely have the talent, and India surely has the right platform!”Elina Mishra, who hails from Bhubaneswar, Odisha, is associated with the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) in Mumbai. Her work is focussed on electromagnetism, accelerator physics, and technology. She has contributed to the development of magnetic and RF characterisation of Drift Tube Linac cavities for the Low Energy High-Intensity Proton Accelerator (LEHIPA).Shilpi Soni, from Sagar in Madhya Pradesh, has worked extensively with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). Over her 24-year career, she played a crucial role in designing, developing, and inducting advanced RF and microwave subsystem technologies for over 35 ISRO communication and navigation missions.Reflecting on their work, Elina and Shilpi said, “The infinite world of science and technology is both exciting and gratifying. The sheer joy we experience when our designed and developed systems are put into application is beyond words. India’s nuclear and space programmes have many such scientists like us, whom we acknowledge.”This is not the first time that PM Modi has handed over his social media accounts to women achievers. In 2020, on International Women’s Day, seven women achievers took over his social media platforms, using the opportunity to inspire others by sharing their remarkable journeys.
